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Hands-on research projects empower teachers to share the stories of climate change in powerful new ways

BOSTON, June 23, 2015—More than 50 teachers will soon embark on Earthwatch research expeditions to help scientists understand how climate change is affecting the planet. These one- to two-week-long experiences immerse teachers in hands-on field research that supports reinvigorated teaching back in the classroom.

For some people the thought of a new species of spider in a country that has some of the deadliest is not such a beautiful thing. For PhD candidate Sophie Harrison, University of Adelaide, she couldn’t be more delighted to have met a new eight-legged furry-friend in far north Australia earlier this month.

Ms Harrison was part of the Bush Blitz project - a pioneering nature-discovery partnership between the Australian Government, BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities and Earthwatch Australia – which descended on Judbarra/Gregory National Park 25 May in search of new species.

Unconventional fellowship program sends 50 students on field research expeditions every summer

IMAGES and VIDEO AVAILABLE

LOS ANGELES/BOSTON, June 16, 2015—Fifty high school sophomores and juniors from Los Angeles are soon to embark on field research expeditions where they will help scientists tackle critical conservation challenges around the United States. They join the ranks of more than 1200 students who have been awarded fellowships since the inception of a partnership in 1990 between Earthwatch Institute and the LA-based Durfee Foundation.

Every year, 21 generous foundations, corporations, and individuals provide the support we need to offer student and teacher fellowship opportunities. This month, 129 fellows will join leading scientists on expeditions around the world. Here’s just one story of a Durfee-supported fellow that reflects the inspiring butterfly effects we often see as a result of our fellowship programs.

As we celebrate World Oceans Day, here are a few ideas on how you can help protect this extraordinary environment. We also invite you to explore a spectacular coral reef, from wherever you are, right now.

Earthwatch scientist Dr. Charlotte Hall spoke about the FreshWater Watch initiative at the British Ecological Society (BES) and Société Française d’Ecologie meeting in Lille, just before Christmas. A report on the event has since been published in an edition of the BES Bulletin – featuring a summary of Dr. Hall’s talk.

The audience in the Royal Geographical Society was transported to muddy mangrove forests in Kenya and vibrant coral reefs of the Seychelles as leading marine scientists spoke at the second Earthwatch Event of 2015.

The Manta ray has long been a creature of myth and legend, historically feared for their size and power. They were worshipped by the Peruvian Moche people and sailors believed they could sink boats by pulling on the anchors. Despite being named the “Australian devilray”, “great devilfish” and the “sea devil”, the manta is a placid creature. Unlike other ray species, the manta doesn’t even have a stinger!

This multimedia story takes a closer look at Churchill, Manitoba as a “canary in the coal mine” of the large-scale challenge of climate change. Filled with images, videos, and vignettes about Earthwatch volunteers in Churchill, pick and choose what you want to read--or read the whole thing through.